Awake AND Intentional

Be Present, Be Purposeful, Be You

This is how it all started…

Many times, I feel like I’m just coasting through life, somewhere in the middle. Life is generally good for me—there are great days, not-so-great days, but overall, things are okay. I often think I shouldn’t complain, yet many days I find myself frustrated by the mediocrity that seems to permeate my daily existence.

Do you sometimes feel stuck or stalled, yet not knowing exactly why? It’s as if there’s an invisible barrier keeping you from moving forward, and it can be incredibly frustrating. On top of that, do you occasionally feel a deep sense of isolation in these thoughts, despite being surrounded by people?

I know I often wonder if anyone else feels the same way.

If any of the above sounds or feel familiar, I am writing for us. My writing comes from two places: either my experiences/questions/frustrations or the experiences of someone I know. My intent is to create a space where we can find solace in knowing we’re not alone in these feelings. Here, I explore the common struggles and small triumphs of being an average person, navigating the ups and downs of life. Together, we’ll find ways to break through that sense of being stuck and embrace the journey with all its imperfections.

L. Mason Van Dyke

Ordinary, Yet Searching

  • Farmer Wu and his crazy, silly, ridiculous idea…

    Once upon a time (all good stories start this way)… In a small village there was a farmer named Wu. He was just a normal farmer who farmed the same crops as everyone else. But he wanted more. So he started looking for other types of crops. He decided bamboo would be best for him. When…

  • What’s Your Bandwidth?

    Airwolf’s Spec’s per wikipedia: Range: 950 miles Ceiling: 11-89,000 ft Speed: 300 knots Weapons: 30mm gun, .50 BMG chain gun, multiple types of missiles Crew: 2-3 plus 4-6 passenger Do you remember the 80’s TV show “Airwolf”? Would you believe you share things, important things, in common with this high performance helicopter? YOU DO!!!!!!! I…

  • Your inner gold… Lessons from history

    History was one of my favorite subjects in school. It is all one big story. I came across this story and wanted to share it. The story of the Golden Buddha. – Carolyn Tate In 1957, an entire monastery in Thailand was being relocated by a group of monks. One day, they were moving a…

  • In Case of Emergency, Put Your Mask On First…

    For anyone who has ever flown, these words will sound familiar. The Flight attendant will give a safety brief before take off. As they explain various safety topics about the aircraft , number and locations of exits, water landings and, of course, “In case of cabin pressure loss, oxygen masks will drop down in front…

  • How have you Should on Yourself today?

    I was talking with a friend recently. During that conversation he told me of an interesting comment from one of his college advisers. The comment was “How have you “SHOULD” on yourself today?” There are so many things that we “Should” do. We SHOULD: This list goes on and on. But the real question is…

  • Your Words Matter…To You

    “If I talked to you the way you talked to yourself, would you still be my friend?”   Dave Blanchard, The Chair What would you do if you had someone following you around all day screaming something negative at you every 12 seconds?  Every 12 seconds all day, every day. Guess what???  You Do!!!  And in…